“I’m very disappointed,” Kremlev said to The Ring. “Everyone is waiting for this fight. I don’t know why Bivol and his team are not accepting the offer, but I will do my best to make this fight happen. We’ve been having discussions with both teams for quite a while. I can confirm that Beterbiev and his team are ready for the fight.

“The offer we made to Bivol for the third fight was considerably bigger than the first two fights. Specifically, Bivol was given two times a bigger offer than in previous fights. Beterbiev will fight for free just to make this fight happen.”

The rivalry is tied at one victory apiece after two closely contested fights in Saudi Arabia. Beterbiev edged Bivol by majority decision in October 2024 to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion before Bivol won the February 2025 rematch by majority decision to reclaim the titles.

Since defeating Beterbiev, Bivol vacated the WBC title rather than face mandatory challenger David Benavidez, underwent back surgery, and returned in May with a unanimous decision over IBF mandatory Michael Eifert.

Kremlev believes Bivol’s team is delaying the trilogy despite the improved offer.

“To be honest, we’ve made really good offers in writing,” Kremlev said. “Bivol appears ready for the fight, but his team is thinking.

“I believe firmly that we need to find common ground and we need to make this fight happen. The world is waiting. Beterbiev gave Bivol a rematch, and Bivol should do the same. It’s the only appropriate gesture.”

Earlier this week, the WBO ordered Bivol to defend his title against interim champion Callum Smith, with both sides given until July 26 to reach an agreement. If that mandatory defense moves forward, a trilogy with Beterbiev is likely to remain on hold.